In the latest round of the National Cricket League (NCL) in Sylhet, Khulna Division narrowly defeated Chattogram Division by ten runs, moving to the top of the table with their second victory. Chattogram faced their first loss this season.
Khulna, batting first, were dismissed for 201, with Chattogram responding with 250. Notably, Irfan Shukkur and Shahadat Hossain made half-centuries, while Sheikh Parvez Jibon claimed four wickets. Khulna’s 19-year-old opener Azizul Hakim then made headlines with his maiden first-class century. His impressive 142, embellished with nine fours and ten sixes, came in three hours and 26 minutes. Khulna posted 323 runs, setting Chattogram a target of 275 in the fourth innings.
Despite solid starts from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Sadikur Rahman, who put on 129 for the opening stand, Chattogram fell to 177 for 6. Shukkur managed a quick 46. However, 17-year-old left-arm spinner Rakib Howlader delivered a stunning performance with five wickets, as Khulna bowled Chattogram out for 264. Left-arm pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana also contributed with four wickets.
In another match, Nayeem Ahmed’s remarkable double-century powered Rajshahi Division to an eight-wicket triumph over Barishal Division. Rajshahi climbed to second place behind Khulna after three rounds. Batting first, Barishal were all out for 229, while Rajshahi declared at 457 for 7, with Nayeem remaining unbeaten on 202, featuring 27 fours and a six over seven hours and 42 minutes. He shared significant stands with Sabbir Rahman, who made 86, and SM Meherob, who added a half-century.
Though Zawad Abrar countered with a quick 22-ball half-century, Barishal succumbed to being all out for 274 in their second innings. Left-arm pacer Shafiqul Islam’s five wickets ensured Rajshahi required only 49 runs to secure the win.
The defending champions Rangpur Division’s struggles persisted as Sylhet Division beat them by 37 runs. Sylhet, batting first, compiled 179 with Mehedi Hasan and legspinner Shadhin Islam each taking three wickets. Rangpur’s captain Akbari Ali and Mim Mosaddek scored fifties, helping them to 206 all out, gaining a 27-run lead. Offspinner Naeem Ahmed took four wickets for Sylhet.
Amite Hasan’s 94 was pivotal as Sylhet managed 237 in their second innings. Rangpur, in reply, fell for just 173, despite Abu Hasim taking four wickets. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed’s five-wicket haul, and Naeem’s eight wickets in the match, showcased Sylhet’s bowling prowess.
Elsewhere, Mymensingh Division and Dhaka Division engaged in a draw at Cox’s Bazar, marking three drawn matches each this season. Mymensingh’s innings was bolstered by Mahfijul Islam’s third first-class century, as they amassed 387, with legspinner Aminul Islam claiming four wickets. Dhaka captain Mohammad Naim answered with a century, partnered by Taibur Rahman’s 93 as they neared Mymensingh’s total. Mymensingh captain Rakibul Hasan took four wickets in the contest. Ariful Islam’s solid 92 helped Mymensingh reach 167 for 3 before the draw conclusion.
